Report calls for urgent action on training, regulation and investment.
A major international study launched on 25 June, Day of the Seafarer, has found that the maritime workforce is not keeping pace with the rapid adoption of digital technologies, raising concerns for safety, efficiency and long‑term sustainability.
The report, “Digital skills in maritime education and training: A global deep dive into people, skills, and readiness for change”, was written by the World Maritime University (WMU) and commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation through the Global Maritime Trends programme. It draws on a survey of 532 seafarers across 64 countries and interviews with 110 stakeholders.
It highlights a growing gap between technological change and the sector’s ability to use new systems effectively and safely. Digital tools - from automated navigation to data‑driven decision‑making - are already reshaping operations, but training and certification frameworks are not evolving at the same pace.
More than 80% of seafarers report receiving digital skills training rarely or not at all, despite strong appetite to learn. Two‑thirds say they are willing to upskill, but a lack of shared understanding of what “digital skills” means is holding back progress. (....)